The City of Beaumont is speaking out about bringing a brand new hotel-residential building into Downtown Beaumont.
The idea has been in the talks for decades but now city leaders could be closer to making it a reality with the help of a developer.
The parking lot next to the Beaumont Civic Center could be the home of the brand new hotel. It will face the Neches River. The talks of making it possible are happening between the city and developing group, ITEX.
The goal is to bring more visitors and people to live in Downtown. "One of the things we are really trying to do is encourage residential downtown because we have lots of great facilities and restaurants but what were missing is a hotel on the riverfront." Said Christopher Boone.
Boone is the Director of Planning and Community Development and showed 12News what the future of Downtown Beaumont will look like with the new hotel.
The new hotel would have 150 rooms and a residential complex of 180 lofts.
The city advertised the idea to local developers and ITEX responded showing interest in the project. The city also says they would not invest any tax dollars towards the project.
This whole plan is what Beaumont Main Street Director has been wishing for.
"For 25 years I've been saying we need a hotel and the city hasn't done it but I'm thinking the city knows its a good idea and it is a good idea!" Said Tom Bell.
The proposal is designed to also bring more restaurants and retail into Downtown Beaumont. Other developers are also interested in building residential lofts in the area too.
City of Beaumont will meet with ITEX to discuss terms and hold negotiations next week.
